Lady Bulldogs extend dominant reign

MANILA, Philippines — National U further cemented its status as the greatest women’s basketball program in history by claiming a sixth straight championship with a sweet sweep of Santo Tomas in the 82nd UAAP women’s basketball tournament finals over the weekend at the MOA Arena.

The Lady Bulldogs rode on a scorching 25-8 start and never looked back en route to a masterful 66-54 Game 2 victory, their 96th straight in a six-year span.

This dominant win was a follow-up to NU’s narrow 70-65 series opener win earlier.

“It’s overwhelming. We did not expect this kind of feat – six titles in six years without any losses. We’re so happy to achieve it, and huge credits to all the people, the players, the management, the community and the coaching staff. They’ve been with us in this run,” said NU coach Pat Aquino who also serves as the Gilas Pilipinas women mentor.

Graduating player Monique Del Carmen saved her best for last, unleashing 15 points in the clincher and was hailed as the Finals MVP. She normed 9.5 points and 3.5 rebounds in the finale.

Rhena Itesi and Kelli Hayes struggled with just 12 and nine markers, respectively, but Kaye Pingol stepped up to the plate with a 15-point, five-rebound performance to complement Del Carmen in NU’s huge win sans ace center Jack Animam who suffered an injury while with Gilas women in the recent FIBA Asia-Oceania Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament in New Zealand.